Accelerating Small Molecule Ferroptosis Regulator Development With Advances in Biological Functions.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death pathway driven by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation.
• This process significantly impacts disease development, acting as both a protective and detrimental factor.
• Recent research focuses on identifying ferroptosis regulators for therapeutic applications, especially in oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis.
• To examine the role of ferroptosis in diverse diseases.
• To discuss the therapeutic potential of ferroptosis modulators.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ferroptosis mechanisms.
• Analysis of ferroptosis involvement in various pathologies.
• Discussion of recent advancements in ferroptosis-targeting drugs.

Main Results:

• Ferroptosis is regulated by key pathways including iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and the system Xc-/GSH/GPX4 axis.
• Ferroptosis is implicated in cancer, neurodegenerative, liver, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Novel ferroptosis inducers and inhibitors show therapeutic promise.

Conclusions:

• Ferroptosis mechanisms are complex and involve multiple cellular pathways.
• Targeting ferroptosis offers a promising therapeutic strategy for numerous diseases.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate ferroptosis pathways and develop effective drugs.